NBA Trade Rumors: A Remedy to Chris Paul's Headache in New Orleans

Chris Paul trade rumors have been the talk of the town in recent days. Paul spoke about commitment and its importance on Wednesday. 

"My first choice is to be in New Orleans,'' Paul said in a telephone interview from London. "I just want to make sure we're committed to winning. If we're not committed to winning and trying to get better so we can contend with the Lakers, the Celtics and all these other top teams, then I'm open to being traded."

According to Chris Broussard of ESPN,  Paul's future in New Orleans hinges on potential new ownership and a commitment to improve a roster that is financially handcuffed. A deal including Darren Collison packaged with a bad contract like veteran forward Peja Stojakovic or power forward Emeka Okafor could land a new counterpart for Paul and bring much-needed cap relief for the Hornets.

A rumored deal between New Orleans and Indiana could land the Hornets a variety of players, but one deal in particular peaks one's interest.  The Pacers could package small forward Mike Dunleavy and their first round pick at No. 10 for Emeka Okafor and Darren Collison.

Not only would the numbers work out, the Hornets would shed Okafor's five years at over $10 million a year, and they would get a productive player (when healthy) in Dunleavy as well as a top 10 pick in addition to their pick at No. 11, one of which could land them a big man to replace Okafor.

The Pacers would have their established point for the future in Collison and a physical presence in the middle that they have sorely lacked for the most part other than Roy Hibbert. The Pacers would take on a big contract in Okafor, but with very little to sell to free agents in 2011, they could have a few key pieces in Collison, Danny Granger, Okafor, and Hibbert to sell free agents on when they have cap space next year.